Can high blood pressure make you tired
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Can High Blood Pressure Make You Tired?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common medical condition that can have various effects on the body, including feelings of tiredness. This article explores the relationship between high blood pressure and fatigue, drawing on recent research findings.
High Blood Pressure and Fatigue Symptoms
High blood pressure can lead to several symptoms, especially when it is severe. Among these symptoms are headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and notably, feelings of weakness and tiredness2. These symptoms occur because high blood pressure can strain the heart and other organs, leading to a general sense of fatigue.
Impact of Emotional State and Tiredness on Blood Pressure
Research has shown that emotional states and tiredness can influence blood pressure levels. A study involving users of connected blood pressure monitors found that being tired increased systolic blood pressure by 1.1 mmHg compared to not being tired1. This suggests that tiredness can have a direct impact on blood pressure, potentially creating a cycle where high blood pressure leads to fatigue, which in turn exacerbates blood pressure levels.
Daily Rest Period and Blood Pressure
The duration of daily rest periods also plays a crucial role in managing blood pressure and fatigue. An observational study of daytime employees found that shorter daily rest periods were associated with higher diastolic blood pressure and increased fatigue3. This indicates that adequate rest is essential for maintaining both cardiovascular health and energy levels.
Sleep Apnea, High Blood Pressure, and Daytime Fatigue
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is another condition that links high blood pressure with tiredness. OSA causes frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, leading to drops in oxygen levels and stress-induced adrenaline release, both of which can raise blood pressure. Consequently, individuals with untreated OSA often experience significant daytime fatigue4. Treating sleep apnea can help reduce blood pressure and improve overall energy levels.
Physical Fatigue and Exercise Adherence
Interestingly, physical fatigue can also influence how individuals with high blood pressure adhere to exercise regimens. A study found that women with higher levels of physical fatigue were more likely to adhere to a 12-week exercise intervention, suggesting that initial fatigue might motivate increased physical activity, which is beneficial for managing blood pressure5.
Conclusion
In summary, high blood pressure can indeed make you feel tired. This relationship is influenced by various factors, including emotional state, rest periods, and conditions like sleep apnea. Managing these factors through adequate rest, emotional well-being, and treatment of underlying conditions can help mitigate the fatigue associated with high blood pressure.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
[LB.01.06] INVESTIGATION OF FACTORS IMPACTING BLOOD PRESSURE ON THE SHORT TERM, BASED ON A COHORT OF USERS OF CONNECTED DEVICES
Short-term emotional state and tiredness can significantly impact blood pressure, with angry, stressed, and sad emotions increasing the difference to baseline.
Observational Study
Very Rigorous JournalNew High Blood Pressure Treatment Guidelines
New guidelines recommend that individuals with high blood pressure should receive regular blood pressure checks and treatment, including medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes, to prevent damage to organs and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Impact of Daily Rest Period on Resting Blood Pressure and Fatigue: A One-Month Observational Study of Daytime Employees
A longer daily rest period (14 hours) is recommended for improving cardiovascular health and reducing diastolic blood pressure in daytime workers.
Non-RCT
Rigorous JournalContinuous Positive Airway Pressure for Adults with Obstructive Sleep Apnea.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) can improve sleep quality, reduce daytime fatigue, and reduce the risk of serious medical complications.
Higher physical fatigue predicts adherence to a 12-week exercise intervention in women with elevated blood pressure.
Higher physical fatigue in women with elevated blood pressure predicts greater exercise adherence during a 12-week intervention.
Non-RCTLong- and short-term blood pressure and RR-interval variability and psychosomatic distress in chronic fatigue syndrome.
Chronic fatigue syndrome patients have higher heart rate and lower blood pressure variability, but no major alterations in autonomic function were found in this study.
Observational StudyPsychological aspects of high and low blood pressure
Low blood pressure is linked to the same psychological symptoms previously associated with high blood pressure, such as headaches, dizziness, tiredness, anxiety, and depression.
STRESS AND HYPERTENSION
Meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve blood pressure, while ensuring adequate rest and sleep.
Awareness of high blood pressure increases arterial plasma catecholamines, platelet noradrenaline and adrenergic responses to mental stress.
Awareness of high blood pressure in young men may increase sympathetic tone and responses, requiring caution in drawing conclusions on early pathogenesis of essential hypertension.
RCT
Highly CitedHypertension and daytime hypotension found on ambulatory blood pressure is associated with fatigue following stroke and TIA.
In stroke and TIA patients, fatigue is associated with both hypertension and hypotension on ambulatory monitoring, with stroke patients experiencing worse fatigue than those with TIA.
Observational Study